No immediate breakthrough is expected regarding the fate of the Pakistan–India match in the ICC T20 World Cup, a media report said on Monday, citing informed sources.
Talks involving the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board over Pakistan’s decision to boycott the high-profile group match concluded late Sunday night. Despite the conclusion of discussions, officials believe a significant development could still emerge within the next 24 hours.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is also likely to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif later today, during which he is expected to brief the premier on the outcome of the talks held so far and seek government guidance on the future course of action.
According to the report, Indian media have claimed that the ICC has given Pakistan a deadline until Monday, February 9, to convey its final decision on the much-anticipated clash. However, sources indicated that no major progress is expected today, and a final decision is more likely to be taken around February 12.
It may be recalled that, acting on the instructions of the federal government, the PCB had earlier decided that Pakistan would participate in the T20 World Cup but would not play its scheduled match against India, a move that has triggered intense diplomatic, sporting and financial discussions at the international level.
